Dozens of people are feared dead after a boat capsized in north-central Nigeria.
The vessel, which was carrying over 300 passengers on the River Niger, overturned on Tuesday night, according to Abdullahi Baba Arah, head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
Local council chairman Abdullahi Muregi confirmed that approximately 60 bodies have been recovered from the scene.
Meanwhile, Arah reported that around 150 individuals have been rescued alive, with most of the passengers being women and children traveling to celebrate the Muslim festival of Mawlid, which honors the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
Arah praised the “prompt response” from community volunteers and the “brave” local divers who have been working tirelessly to assist in the rescue efforts.
The boat had set off from a community called Mundi, heading to the village of Gbajibo for the Mawlid festivities.
Although Arah did not specify the cause of the capsizing, incidents of boats overturning on the River Niger are common, especially during the rainy season when water levels rise significantly.
Many boats operating on the river are often old and overloaded, creating dangerous conditions. Additionally, debris such as tree branches can pose serious hazards for navigating vessels.
This tragic event mirrors a similar incident last September, when at least 24 people lost their lives in the same area after a boat capsized.
That vessel was transporting over 50 passengers who were en route to their farms for the harvest season.
The ongoing rescue efforts highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures on the river, particularly to prevent overcrowding and ensure that boats are well-maintained.
As the search continues, the community mourns the potential loss of many lives in this devastating incident.
